A creditor who unduly pressurises someone who they allege owes them money may be committing a criminal offence. It is illegal to harass or cause distress and anxiety to someone who owes money. There is an offence under the Malicious Communications Act 1988 of sending threatening letters and the Administration of Justice Act 1970 prohibits the making of threats. Aggressive practices by creditors intended to make people pay money is outlawed in the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Examples of illegal behaviour have been held to include: